1. Social Groups

2. Groups within Society Groups are the foundation of social life. Setting membership boundaries, choosing leaders, fulfilling goals, and controlling members’ behavior.

3. Defining Groups Size – Quality – Four features: – –Interaction occurs between members – –Must possess a sense of common identity Aggregate – Social categories –People with a shared trait or status who do not interact with each other

4. Social Structure Size A dyad A triad Fifteen is the largest number that works well as a group. Time Interaction is not continuous; there are breaks. Organization A formal group An informal group

5. Types of Groups

6. Primary Groups Fundamental in forming the social nature and ideals of the individual Involves entire self of a member

7. Secondary Groups Involve only part of a member’s self Importance of person linked to his or her function

8. Reference Groups A group with whom an individual identifies and whose attitudes and values are adopted

9. In-Groups and Out-Groups In-group: Out-group:

10. Electronic Communities Have arisen with arrival of internet Some reflect primary-group dynamics

11. Social Networks The web of relationships across groups that occurs because of the many groups people belong to

12. Cliques Common among adolescents but can continue in adulthood

13. Group Functions –Use of uniforms, gestures, handshakes, or language –Leaders influence the attitudes and opinions of others –Instrumental leaders help find specific means that will help the group reach its goals –Expressive leaders find ways to keep the group together and to maintain morale –Set goals –Assign tasks –Make decisions

14. Formal Organizations Formal organizations are large, complex secondary groups that have been established to achieve specific goals. Most are structured as bureaucracies A bureaucracy is a ranked authority structure that operates according to specific rules and procedures.

15. Weber’s Model of Bureaucracies –Work is divided among specialists. –There are clear-cut lines of responsibility. –Individuals are hired on the basis of tests, education, or experience. –Workers are replaceable.

16. Weber’s Model of Bureaucracies –There are objective rules that identify each person’s responsibilities. –Lines of promotion reward loyalty with job security and seniority. –Some, like voluntary associations, may vary with the abilities of volunteers.

17. Informal Organizations Called “bureaucracy’s other face” First noted in study of Western Electric Company Conformity to the norm enforced through negative sanctions